Child Pornography Law: Does it Protect Children?

This article examines the ways in which the legal system attempts, through actual legislation and a graded sentencing policy, to control child pornography. The motives for legislating in this area are discussed through looking at parliamentary, ministerial and judicial comments before the article offers some analysis of the discrepancies between intentions and realities. Finally, some issues concerning effective enforcement are briefly raised. It concludes by suggesting that the function of law needs to be more carefully defined so as to focus more clearly on child protection and on the surest means of delivering this.